UP + UP

I'll be honest, I've been struggling to maintain a good disposition lately because work has been pretty awful. Like, no-appetite-to-eat-supper awful.

Thank goodness for the little things, right?

1.  Sunday before last, I made my first matcha latte at home.  It's a weirdly intense prepared beverage and I'm not just talking flavor.  It actually warmed my core and deeply calmed + quieted my brain.  I didn't have to have my usual two cups coffee that morning, which is unheard of.  I like it!

I think that now I've tried this amazing elixir, I can allow myself to buy a decent matcha powder and a chasen.  It's difficult to get the clumps out with just a regular whisk, I've discovered.

It's an attractive beverage:

 

2.  Half of my first batch of tofu misozuke turned out to be a proper success!  This is actually pretty big news!  I will be starting new batches this weekend using the effective recipe.  Once I get the hang of it, I will need to find a business-minded person to help me. Like someone who is in touch with Bill Clinton.  I want Bill Clinton to eat my tofu misozuke.  I am not even joking.

I made this!


3.  Last weekend, ATM + I played This Old House and disassembled the cabinets above the stove. I was afraid of what we'd discover once the cabinets were removed, but thankfully, there are no major repairs required, just some regular cleaning and sealing.  Our house will be 80 years old next year!




Found an old ventilation hole:


The ceiling tiles remind me of Sun Studio:


As you would expect, the removal of these cabinets really opened up that little kitchen and made me excited about things to come:


4.  We are in possession of our own pasta machine now.  I plan on giving up trying to eat healthy and just let myself completely go on pasta. WHY NOT


5.  Our felines continue to rule + charm us.  This gal watches hockey and True Detective with me in bed!







6.  I watched all of S1 True Detective in two days.  A week later, it's haunting me in the best way possible. McConaughey is completely hypnotic.  I would like Bridget Fonda to be a True Detective, for the record.

7.  For the first time ever, KMHD + I had our brunch bought for us by 'that gentleman over there'.  A stranger, on his way out of Taqueria Karina gave us a tip o' that hat and left.  Deffo made our day.  I should do that for someone some time.

A WARNING AND AN ULTIMATUM

STAND ON THE HORIZON

THE MISSING

P E O P L E IN THE CITY

SUGAR WATER

AILIEN'S KITCHEN

We are so close to officially starting our kitchen renovation.  About time, right?  Still have a couple more things to do before we go to the bank to solicit money.  It's exciting, but I feel it's not a real thing until we're actually underway.

So, when you do a renovation, there are a billion things you must decide.  A billion, no less.  Making decisions on the spot is awful + I'm pretty bad at it.

There's a bakery in Oslo called Blings that is the inspiration for our remodel.  In case you just aren't feelin' it, what I see is a great blend of organic elements, pattern, and a touch of masculinity.  The color is there, but not overwhelmingly so.  They lean quite a bit on natural lighting, which is available in our kitchen.  Lighting is soft.  I feel I could do a lot of stuff in this kitchen.  It also looks like it smells good.

Here's another view:

Two of my co-workers recently went through a reno.  It drove them to the brink.  I expect no less.  Pray for AiLien.

HOW DO!

It's another crunchy snow day here in North Little Rock!  I love snow days.  It's FREE time.  Such a hot commodity!  But, seriously, I get to work on projects, do some self-care, drink coffee, stare out the window and watch birds eat the seed I just put out for them, take naps, make food, ... whatever I like!  The very best part of all of this is that we still have electricity.  Having internet is bonus.

Mardi Gras is tomorrow! You go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans just once and you're wanting to do it for life, is what I'm discovering.  Especially since it's been an unforgiving winter's winter.  I want to walk the streets and eat king cake and po boys, damnit!  I've got some homemade king cake ready to bake & take to the office for my co-workers tomorrow, if these icy streets let up.

I actually don't like king cake unless it's from Randazzo's, so I modified my cinnamon roll recipe by adding colored sugars on it. It is taking all of my power to not go ahead and bake up what I made for work.  [UPDATE:  we totally ate them.]










On Saturday, ATM, Britt & I went to the SOMA Mardi Gras parade.  The parade was shorter this year, but there were so many more folks in attendance.  I was especially thrilled that the Central High School Jazz band performed and warmed up the crowd.

Too, I'm genuinely pleased that I've passed my M'Gras love on to Brittany.  She rocked her mask + beads and expressed a desire to start our own krewe and walk the parade next year.  Like it made me really proud. I'm game if we aren't actually in New Orleans!

 Photo by ATM

I LOVE MY BAD ATTITUDE

Last weekend, ATM + I went to Memphis to meet up with my paternal in-laws since we were unable to see them over the Christmas holiday.

To pertinently go off-topic, I get really annoyed with my 'expect the worst, hope for the best' attitude sometimes.  It's a form of protection, see.  It is necessary sometimes, but, generally, it's a piss poor attitude to have.  It doesn't compliment my desire to just go with the flow.

All that to say that I had an honest good time.

On Friday, ATM + I went to another River Kings match.  We had some seats close to the ice, the view completely obscured by fat heads and the away team's bench.  This is the south, I don't expect hockey to take off and for seats to get filled, but it's happening. All of the seats around us were occupied, so it was a bit cramped.  We were amidst a family of twelve and they kept getting out of their seats and squeezing past us, so before the third period, we found some empties a little higher up and with a much better view.  I joked that ATM should take notes in a little notepad and pretend to be a hockey scout.  Might as well, since we already stick out in Southaven, MS anyway.  No victory this time, but I still had fun!


The next day, we met Jerry + Shawn (in-laws) for lunch at Rendezvous.  So, to me, the food there is just o.k.  I think it's criminal how much they charge for BBQ and I suppose you're paying for the atmosphere and "world famous" part.  ATM + I have kinda sorta grown out of "Memphis food", like BBQ, fried chicken, and other wonderful gut bombs.  By that I mean that it's not our first, second, or third choice when we're in town.  We've been exploring other cuisines, trying on things we do not have here in (N)LR.  But, what can you do when it's the restaurant of choice of others and they're picking up the bill?  Smile and eat yr damn sandwich, is what!

After lunch, we walked it off at the Memphis Botanical Garden.  The promise of spring is everywhere, but everything is completely dead head.  Even the koi were still in hibernation.  I love walking the Japanese part of the gardens because it's so inspirational.   It is a life goal of mine to bonsai a full sized tree.  I partially blame my boss for this interest as he has me trim the trees in our office every day that I'm there.  I can't water them, though.  That is reserved for the experienced.  But, I can cut to my heart's content.  It promotes growth, he says.  Anyway,  if and when we get past this kitchen renovation, I can start believing that we'll one day get our backyard in order.


Before we headed back home, ATM and I cruised down Summer Ave. to try ramen at Edo for supper.  A couple of things: We've never driven down Summer Avenue.  I thought I knew Memphis pretty well, but I keep learning how I don't know much of anything!  We were so pleased to discover that it's a beautiful drive, faster than Poplar Ave., and there are so many things to explore over there!  Didn't know it was possible to adore Memphis more, but here we are.  Let's talk about Edo.  It's my new favorite restaurant over yonder.  It's a little run-down (in the best way possible) Japanese restaurant that reminds me of our beloved Mt. Fuji here in town.  The food is fucking fan.tas.tic.  I started with the agedashi-tofu (hold the bonito flakes) and ramen for my main meal.  Tempura banana a la mode for dessert.  Hot damn!  I am sitting here smiling thinking back on it. I honestly cannot wait to get back there!  Look at this broth!


I thought my design pals would get a kick out of this plank wood font typeface.  Somewhere on Union Ave:

I JUST CAN'T BE HAPPY TODAY

MILD THING

CAN'T CHEAT KARMA

LOVELY + SOFT

I made peace with Winter and have come to appreciate + even like it.  I really loved walking around in the snow the other night.

Critters:

Birds only:

SO FAR TO GO

GOSSIP FOLKS

LOVE AND HAPPINESS?

This past weekend, KMHD, Britt, and I went to Memphis for a much needed gal's trip.  A little bit of eatin', a little bit of day-drinkin', a little bit of hockey.  It was mostly fun, but there were a couple of alarming moments --  one being that Britt and I witnessed a woman being thrown into a wall down the hall at our hotel.

To be honest, after our trip, we three scattered to the wind and haven't really discussed it, but I wouldn't be surprised if KMHD and Britt felt similarly to me.  I feel a little off and weary.  To witness violence, well, it reminds you of some things; to be aware of your surroundings and to surround yourself with good people who love you.  Even when you do all of those things you need to expect, on some level, crazy shit to go down.  Stick together, call upon your wits and use common sense.  

Britt and I were on the opposite end of the hall, totally mean-muggin' the perp, calmly trying get into our room. The woman was screaming, so people were coming out of their rooms.  Perp ran off.  We tried calling the front desk multiple times, but the line was busy.  I assumed that we weren't the only ones trying to phone it in.  Thankfully, the situation was quickly handled after that.  You better believe we slept with a chair jammed under the door knob.  Before I settled into bed, I checked the peephole to make sure the hallway was clear and I saw the victim walk by, talking on her mobile.  She seemed alright, but it was hard to tell through the door.

The other distressing event was attending Al Green's Full Gospel Tabernacle for Sunday morning service.  To be honest, our intention was to simply enjoy the choir and the band.  I've been before and it was so sweet and uplifting.  Everything was going so well -- great, really -- until it got instantly bad.  Al went on this amazingly hateful tirade against LGBTs, calling them S-I-C-K, SICK to a very enthusiastic congregation.  They could barely contain their disgust, and frankly, neither could I.  All of a sudden, I felt so damn uncomfortable, unwelcome, and a little bit unsafe.  I could feel my face getting so hot because this felt really fucking personal, like I was being poked right in the chest.  I did my best to remain cool and calm for the sake of my companions.  Sanctuary, my ass.  What a dump! He condemned all other churches for their tolerance of LBGTs because it came down to them just wanting to fill their coffers with money.  So much shit talking!  Eventually, I stopped listening.  I tuned out.  Understandably, visibly pissed off people were leaving en masse to which Mr. Green replied, "I don't care, LEAVE!"  Unfortunately, the gals and I were situated pretty much front and center, and we were in no position to slyly slip out of there.  So, we waited it out and then booked it out of there.  All we could say to each other as we sped away in the car was "I love you."  I so wish that the issue of sexuality wasn't even a thing, but here we are.  Some folks are obsessed about it and they're so loud, obnoxious & cruel.  I try to put as much distance between me and them as possible.  We quit Al Green cold turkey that day.  SIGH

Some days, I really just want to say to old-ass fartknockers to cut the shit.  Seriously, cut it out, you're harshing my mellow!

Despite all of that, we still managed to have a good time.  Because of who we are, we looked to each other and came out of it a little more...cognizant.

Packed:

Day-drinkin' (or "daysted", per KMHD) @ the Peabody:

Going to the game with these two is one of my favorite things:  

Shootout clincher:

The quiet before the shit storm:

Full stop on I-40 W:

As far as food goes, standouts include:

The gouda mac and cheese at South of Beale is worth popping in for.  I thought the rest of our food was just alright.

A Tan serves a killer lo mein made with ramen noodles.  I shamelessly ate my entire entree.  And I'd do it again and again and again and again.

We were really sorry to discover that our favorite restaurant to get pho was shuttered.  It looks like our search for favorite Memphis pho is ON.

MUSTARD GREENS

This past week, I made two dishes with mustard greens.  I've never cooked them before and now I'm a super big fan!

The first dish, spicy pork and mustard green soup (sans rice noodles), became an instant classic around here.  ATM deemed it his new favorite.  The greens turn a beautiful, silky, dark emerald green and the flavors are so complimentary, savory, and fresh.

Last night, I made sauteed mustard greens.  It was, in my opinion, the best thing on my plate!  Here's the recipe:

1 lb. mustard greens, washed and cut into strips

2 T olive oil

3-4 cloves of garlic, minced

S + P, to taste

*Up to 1/4 c heavy cream (You could use broth, but trust me on this one. I learned this from Chef Bell)

1 T ground mustard (I used Creole mustard as that's what I had on hand)

Heat oil in a large pan with sides.  Add garlic, but don't let it burn.  Maybe 30 seconds?  You don't need bitter, burnt garlic bits.  If that happens, just...start over.  Turn down that heat to medium high.  And keep an eye on it this time! Add the greens (they'll smallen) and S + P to taste.  When they wilt, add and mix in the cream.  When you feel it's cooked through, stir in the ground mustard.  Voila!  Best thing on your plate.

*to veganize, sub cream for veg broth

POTATO TACOS

I've been noshing on potato tacos for the past couple of days.  All I can say is that people who snub potato tacos are some sorry suckers!  From memory, the recipe...

Ingredients:

15 fingerling potatoes, cut into bits

1/2 red bell pepper, cut into bits

1 t kosher salt

1 t cumin

1 t chili powder 

1 t Mexican oregano 

11/2 T olive oil

1 1/2 T mayonnaise

2 T sour cream

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeno, minced

A good five-finger pinch of cilantro

lime wedge

taco sized flour tortillas

How:

Pre-heat oven to 420.

In a bowl, put cut potatoes & add all herbs, spices, & oil.  Toss by hand.

On a baking sheet with parchment paper (use parchment paper!), spread the perfeckly seasoned potatoes evenly and pop into the oven.

Meanwhile, mix together mayo, sour cream, minced garlic, jalapeno, cilantro + a squeeze of lime in a bowl.

After anywhere from 15 to 25 mins, check potatoes for tenderness.  Pull when ready!

Warm tortillas, stuff with potatoes, top with creamy garlic sauce.  Bon appetit!  

Feeds two, about three tacos each.

LIGHTS OUT

I WANNA DESTROY YOU

BIG MESS

ONLY 1 U

STROLL ON

+ + +

I love the current pace we've got going. We don't have much planned, it's c-c-c-cold outside, I spend hazy, lazy evenings watching hockey, reading + listening to music.  On weekends, I cook + bake.  We have friends over for supper. Conducting 'business' from bed under a pile of blankets and clothes that I am too lazy to put away happens.  January.

Yesterday evening, I dimmed the lights, lit some candles, a bit of incense, + rolled out the mats. ATM + I did a half-hour guided meditation.  Taking time out for yourself is hard.  Whenever I get reminded that I am allowed to treat myself right, it makes me misty eyed sometimes.  I forget that.  Anyway, it went well + we're hoping to work it into our schedule.  Once or twice a week maybe. You feel like a million bucks afterward, you know?  You do have to kick the cats out, though. 

Day before yesterday, I got an Egyptian paste locust in the mail from a woman I do not know except on social media. We have friends in common + now we are kinda pals.  When ATM + I were in Colorado last year, she was in the same area!  It was fun to "see" her around town in Cortez.  Her name is Jennifer + she lives in Chicago.  I'm excited at the prospect of assembling her a little package.  I love mail!

Cooking projects for the weekend: start another batch of tofu misozuke + bake treats for Tết. 

FEED

This morning, I finally got around to making homemade everything bagels.  A moment of silence now. ... ... ... ... ... ... They are incredible.  I feel like I really achieved something major here, like nirvana or something pretty damn close to it.  Behold!

As I chow down on them, I wonder how many could I eat before people start judging me negatively.  Or would they be understanding?  Natch, I'm gonna write about how I can't even buy store bought ones anymore and that they hold up when compared to a bakery or even something from NYC.  I know what I'm saying! 

***

Last Friday, ATM & I met our friend Ben for supper at Mt. Fuji to discuss business.  After dinner, we motored over to South On Main for drinks.  I've had exactly one meal there and it was good.  The food was completely well-prepared, but there was no WOW factor & it was a touch pricey.  Another time, I met pals for drinks there and we had an appetizer because we didn't want to spend a great deal of money on so-so food.  Again, well-prepared, no wow factor, and expensive, especially for the size. Long story long, while we were having cocktails with Ben, Chef Bell stopped by to say hello.  He informed us that he was sending us snacks, which was a pleasant surprise, because I've always wished that they had snacks for drinkers to nosh on, so that they wouldn't have to buy costly entrees.  Anyway, I have to take everything back about what I've said about the food.  The grilled oysters were better than anything I've had in New Orleans.  Yes, very big words!  The just-made pork rinds were heavenly.  Somehow, they were crunchy and creamy.  It was my favorite treat.  Ben seemed especially keen on the spiced pecans.  There was some polite-but-strained fork fighting over the duck confit.  Chef's refreshments gratis were so damn good, that I stand corrected.  I should've given him more time to settle in and do what he does well.  

***

It's funny how the brain works; last weekend, I got a craving for a food that I haven't had since I was 4 or 5.  I've never made almond jelly before, it was something my Viet aunts prepared for us when we were little, but it was simple, really.  So light, tasty, refreshing.

***

Kitchen is closed.

PLAY WITH FIRE

FEELIN'

Like I said earlier, I'd get my employment situation sorted and. I. did.  I phoned the two candidates running for the judicial position that I represent and they said they'd keep me on as staff.  While it's not ideal, it buys me the time I need before [           ].

You know how new businesses, before they open, they conceal the goings on inside of their building by taping newspaper or craft paper over the windows?  That is exactly what my future in a couple/few years looks like.

TUSK

TOFU MISOZUKE

It's really important to me to find foods that keep us in the line with the vegan diet.  A texture & flavor depth that I crave the most is the kind that a good, soft cheese, like Humboldt Fog, provides. Creamy, fatty, savory. This desire can lure me off the path that I choose and want to be on, and I always get so disappointed in myself when I cave to my whims. I do that more than I care to admit.  SMDH

I stumbled across tofu misozuke while researching miso pastes.  Tofu misozuke is a miso-cured and aged tofu.  It's a traditional Japanese delicacy from the Fukuoka district, a near-forgotten specialty that is pretty difficult to find, even in Japan. It's been compared to a cross of butter and foie gras and it's the closest thing to cheese a vegan can get!  I immediately ordered two kinds from Rau Om, the only place you can get it in the United States.  I ordered it before the holidays and then promptly forgot about it.  It arrived yesterday.

I didn't bust open the package and grab the nearest cracker.  We'd eaten so much earlier in the day that I didn't want to mar the tasting, so I waited until this morning, on an empty stomach. ATM and I opened the beautiful little package and schmeared some on a saltine.  

It's good.  It's really, really good.  It's bloody divine is what it is, and it totally lives up to it's reputation.  But, at $7.50 (+S/H) for 2.5 oz, tsk, I have already assembled the ingredients to make it myself.  Between this kale and tofu misozuke, I'll go broke if I don't DIY.

If I can successfully produce tofu misozuke, whatever I don't keep myself, I'll sell.  First, I'll offer it to my friends, my people.  From there, I'll offer to chefs and restaurants.  It's that good.  If I'm successful, and you're interested in having some, please let me know.  Price is TBD (definitely comparable to Rau Om) and locals only, as it's perishable.

I've already pressed my tofu and now I'm going to mix the marinade.  We'll see what happens in two months time.  Here's to success!

I nearly forgot to mention that this is an open source recipe! 

*Looks in mirror* I'M OK

I'm off to a terrific start this year.  Read an entire book in one afternoon, got a wonderful hike in.  Reeling in the shite eating habits.  Getting enough rest, staying warm.  

Internally, I'm a bit of a wreck.  Paralyzed with fear.  I will be without a job at the end of this year and I do not have my next gig lined up.  I mean, I'll sort it, but I don't like where I'm at.

New vintage pieces for the liquor cart:

Hiking with Brittany, Andrew 2 & ATM:

Gal!

Sign me up!

More Cities In Dust love. I got these because they remind me of the petroglyphs in SW Colorado (and also because they were on hella sale):

ATM got around to hanging our newest Navajo rug last night.  So gorgeous:

Happy New Year!

HERE is my playlist for the night, if you want.